Austin ISD is currently in the process of updating its Human Sexuality & Responsibility curriculum for grades K-8, and district parents will be given the opportunity to provide some feedback throughout November. The Human Sexuality & Responsibility curriculum is being updated because of recommendations made by the district’s School Health Advisory Council. According to the district, the “existing curriculum is overdue for revision,” and aspects of the curriculum have not been updated in 12 years. Revisions are in line with the district’s current focus on “health, safety and well-being.” Based on state and board policy the curriculum will be abstinence-focused. The revised curriculum—which is still being developed and, if approved, would not be put into practice until the 2019-20 school year—outlines topics and timelines for learning but not specific lesson plans. According to the district, topics of focus include anatomy and physiology, puberty and adolescent development, identity, pregnancy and reproduction, sexually transmitted diseases and HIV, healthy relationships and personal safety. The curriculum will also make it simpler for parents to opt out of individual lessons as opposed to the entire Human Sexuality & Responsibility curriculum, although that will still be an option. On Nov. 7 district parents will receive an email with a link to take a survey about the proposed Human Sexuality & Responsibility curriculum. The survey will ask parents which grades they believe certain topics in the curriculum should be taught. The survey will also be available through the district’s parent cloud portal and will remain open until Nov. 30. The community will be given an opportunity to learn about and weigh in on the proposed curriculum at three upcoming meetings, which will run from 6-7 p.m. on the following days:
  • Nov. 8: Travis Early College High School, 1211 E. Oltorf St., Austin
  • Nov. 13: Lanier Early College High School, 1201 Payton Gin Road, Austin
  • Nov. 15: Eastside Memorial High School, 1012 Arthur Stiles Road, Austin
The revised curriculum will be presented to the district board of trustees in January for approval, according to the district's timeline.